Corker Introduces Legislation to Keep Pressure on Iran

WASHINGTON – Following an announcement that the Senate will consider Iran legislation in December, U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bill setting conditions for an acceptable final agreement with Iran that would restrict sanctions relief until Iran agrees to eliminate the threat of its nuclear program. The Iran Nuclear Compliance Act of 2013, consistent with Iran’s existing obligations under the U.N. Security Council, requires Iran to fully comply with any interim deal reached in Geneva and further agree to the terms of an acceptable final agreement before the president of the United States could waive additional sanctions. Further, it would restore all sanctions if Iran violates the terms of the interim agreement.

“It’s important for the Senate to proceed with this debate and keep the pressure on Iran during negotiations over their illicit nuclear program,” said Corker. “Many of us have concerns that an interim agreement in Geneva will diminish U.S. leverage without Iran meeting its existing international obligations. That outcome could result in the interim deal becoming the final deal, legitimizing Iran’s enrichment activities in violation of numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions. Whatever the outcome in Geneva may be this week, I’m hopeful the Senate will work in a bipartisan fashion to strengthen the position of the U.S. in these negotiations so we can reach a final status agreement that will prevent the Iranians from ever developing a nuclear weapon.

“Toward that end, I’ve offered legislation that would ensure Iran is in full compliance with any interim agreement and agrees to the essential terms of an acceptable final deal before the U.S. could further lift sanctions. It would further cause any sanctions relieved in the interim to snap back if Iran violates any of its commitments under such an agreement. We all want diplomacy to succeed, so I look forward to working with my colleagues and with the administration to support a successful outcome in these negotiations that are critical for the peace and security of the U.S. and the world.”

Before the president could exercise existing waiver authority over Iran sanctions or provide sanctions relief, the act requires Iran to meet the following conditions: